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5 most dangerous jobs for teens
Report: Mowing the lawn could be more hazardous than you think.
June 10, 2005: 9:57 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Many kids will mow lawns for an extra buck this summer, but the pay-off may not be worth the risk involved, according to a new report on the five most dangerous jobs for teenagers.

Outdoor jobs in landscaping, groundskeeping and lawn services made the National Consumers League's list of five dangerous jobs for young workers for the first time this year, taking the No. 3 spot.

Often the lure of summer cash draws teenagers to take these jobs, which can carry serious safety hazards, the NCL said.

While fatality numbers are low in these types of outdoor jobs, work often involves the use of dangerous power tools and machinery, as well as hazardous chemicals and pesticides.

"Working to help save for college, contribute to your family's budget, or just to enjoy some spending cash is a great idea," said Darlene Adkins, vice president for fair labor standards policy at the consumer organization. "But teenagers and their parents need to ask: is this safe work?"

Agricultural field work topped the list. The report said the agricultural industry accounted for 42 percent of all work-related fatalities of young workers between 1992 and 2000.

Construction work, which is the third leading cause of death among young workers, was No. 2 on the list.

The NCL said work involving tractors and all-terrain vehicles was ranked as No. 4.

Rounding out the list at No. 5 were jobs that require teenagers to travel door-to-door selling candy, magazine subscriptions or other items.

Hazards associated with working in these traveling youth crews include questionable transportation as well as crew leaders with criminal backgrounds.

More than 175 teenage workers died on the job in 2001, according to the NCL, which uses government statistics and reports, surveys of state labor departments and news accounts of injuries and deaths to compile its annual list.

Click here for CNN/Money's special report -- "Your Job 2005."  Top of page

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